Redirect Statistics

Ken,
The answer is going to be more than a simple yes or no (sorry).

We have considered adding some form of tracking/statistics, but it is a touchy subject around here right now. On one hand, it is good to know how many hits a specific URL is getting when it redirects – on the other, it adds additional overhead and load to the page and database for the stats.

So that is the dilemma.

We could move to having third party stats, but then we need to re-think the way the plugin redirects, as most use some form of JavaScript to achieve this and the redirects currently happen before headers are sent.

Me personally (as the creator of the plugin)? I actually am against adding any third party stats/tracking service to the plugin. The entire premise of the plugin was to add a quick and simple way to redirect a post or page. It has changed a lot over the past 6+ years since its creation, but for the most part it is still very easy to add and modify a redirect.

When I created the plugin, the only other one like it was the ‘Redirection’ plugin. It had so many features that I felt it was just too difficult to use when all I wanted to do was send one page to another – so I created the plugin to do it without all of the complexity (there was also a plugin that made you modify .htaccess which I was against – as I thought it was too much for most people to be able to do). Don’t get me wrong, the ‘Redirection’ plugin is a GREAT plugin – I have even recommended it to people who are looking for more advanced features – but it is not what this plugin is all about.

So I guess for now, the answer is no, right now we are not adding any tracking stats to the plugin. BUT, if we find a way to add them where it is simple and easy without much overhead to the plugin or database, then yes, we will add them (So if anyone has any recommendations, please let me know – I am open to suggestions).

And Ken, thanks for asking and listening to the long-winded story of the plugin creation.

Warmest regards,
Don